Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
Thursday Walks
24th Jul 2021
Now that there has been a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the weekly walks will begin again on Thursday 5th August. The gently-paced walks will be led by Society members and will last for approximately one hour. All walks will begin and end at the Visitor Centre in Warren Lane where toilets and light refreshments will be available. Normally the walks will start at 10.30am but on the 5th, we would be grateful if walkers could arrive no later than 10.15am in order that necessary preparations can be made. Before the lockdown, there were some 30 regular walkers taking part; it will take some time to build numbers but we hope to see as many people as possible on 5th August. It is important that walkers wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Tree Felling
20th May 2021
You will be aware that Phytophthora ramorum was identified several months ago in larch trees on Beacon Hill. As a consequence, considerable felling has been taking place on Beacon Hill and in the area above the duck ponds. The felling is carried out under the auspices of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Forestry Commission. It is never pleasant to see such large scale felling and the damage that it does but sadly it is necessary to try and stop the further spread of the disease.
Mountain Bikers
21st Nov 2020
Since the initial Covid-19 lockdown the Country Park has been increasingly used by mountain bikers. Although we can see the attraction of the terrain to these thrill seekers they are causing damage and nuisance. Many hurtle down existing footpaths posing an obvious danger to walkers as well as damaging the surface of the paths. They have also created new trails, tracks and in places earthworks. There is considerable damage being done to the flora on these new trails. They have a detrimental impact on wildlife habitats, tree roots and the environment in general.
It is clearly a difficult issue to monitor and control but Society committee members are working with the Rangers to tackle the problem. One possible action being considered is the removal of the ‘hurdles’ which the cyclists have built without permission. Strictly speaking, the riding of bikes in the Country Park is only permitted on the bridle paths.
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